Low-drag septum for a catheter system

ABSTRACT

A peripheral intravenous catheter assembly may include a low-drag septum. The septum may include a body having a distal end and a proximal end, which may be sealed. The septum may include a slot disposed within an outer surface of the body and oriented along a longitudinal axis of the body. The slot may include a distal end spaced apart from the distal end of the body, and a proximal end spaced apart from the proximal end of the body. An introducer needle may extend through the slot.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/532,132, filed on Aug. 5, 2019, entitled LOW-DRAG SEPTUM FOR ACATHETER SYSTEM, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/722,041, filed on Aug. 23, 2018, entitled LOW-DRAGSEPTUM FOR A CATHETER SYSTEM, which are incorporated herein in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. Forexample, catheters may be used for infusing fluids, such as normalsaline solution, various medicaments, and total parenteral nutrition,into a patient. Catheters may also be used for withdrawing blood fromthe patient.

A common type of catheter is an over-the-needle peripheral intravenouscatheter (“PIVC”). As its name implies, the over-the-needle PIVC may bemounted over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The PIVCand the introducer needle may be assembled so that the distal tip of theintroducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC with thebevel of the needle facing up away from skin of the patient. The PIVCand introducer needle are generally inserted at a shallow angle throughthe skin into vasculature of the patient.

In order to verify proper placement of the introducer needle and/or thePIVC in the vein, a user generally confirms that there is “flashback” ofblood in a flashback chamber of a PIVC assembly. Once placement of theneedle has been confirmed, a user may temporarily occlude flow in thevein and remove the introducer needle, leaving the PIVC in place withinthe vein. The user may also attach a device to the PIVC assembly forfluid infusion and/or blood withdrawal. This process has been somewhatdifficult in practice since many PIVC placement sites simply do notallow easy occlusion of the vein. Additionally, even when such occlusionis achieved, it may be imperfect, resulting in blood leaking from thePIVC assembly housing the PIVC and endangering medical personnel.

PIVC assemblies have thus been provided in the art that provide avariety of seals or “septa” for preventing outflow of fluid during andfollowing removal of the introducer needle from the vein. A septum maybe secured within the PIVC assembly via friction and/or adhesive betweenthe septum and a wall of the catheter assembly.

In some instances, after the PIVC has been placed within the vein, theintroducer needle may be withdrawn from the PIVC assembly through theseptum. The septum may significantly increase the force that the userneeds to exert on the introducer needle in order to withdraw theintroducer needle from the PIVC assembly. The force the user exerts mayresult in pain for the patient and/or dislodgement of the PIVC from thevein.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one example technology area where some implementationsdescribed herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to septa for catheterassemblies, as well as related systems and methods. In some embodiments,a septum may reduce a drag force of an introducer needle that is movedwith respect to the septum. In some embodiments, reducing the drag forcemay improve comfort of a patient and facilitate first stick success orplacement of a catheter within the vein on a first try. In someembodiments, the drag force may be reduced by decreasing a surface areaof the septum that contacts the introducer needle.

In some embodiments, a septum of a catheter assembly may include a bodyhaving a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distalend of the body and the proximal end of the body may be sealed. In someembodiments, the septum may include a slot disposed within an outersurface of the body and oriented along a longitudinal axis of the body.In some embodiments, the slot may include a distal end spaced apart fromthe distal end of the body, and a proximal end spaced apart from theproximal end of the body. In some embodiments, the introducer needle mayextend through the slot. In some embodiments, the introducer needle maybe spaced apart from a bottom of the slot.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheteradapter and a catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly mayinclude PIVC catheter assembly having a PIVC. In some embodiments, thecatheter assembly may include an integrated catheter system, having anintegrated extension tube. In these and other embodiments, the septum,which may be disposed in the catheter adapter, may be configured forsingle use. In further detail, in some embodiments, the septum may bepenetrated by the introducer needle when the catheter assembly is in aninsertion position, but after the catheter is placed and the introducerneedle is withdrawn through the septum, the septum may remain closed.

In some embodiments, an inner surface of the catheter adapter may sealthe slot. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include aseptum housing. In some embodiments, the septum may be at leastpartially disposed within the septum housing. In some embodiments, aninner surface of the septum housing may seal the slot.

In some embodiments, a length of the slot may correspond to a majorityof a length of the body. In some embodiments, a depth of the slot may begreater than half a width of the body. In some embodiments, a bevel ofthe introducer needle may face upward and the slot may face downward. Insome embodiments, the slot may face downward such that a droplet ofblood disposed in the slot and from the introducer needle may be hiddenfrom the patient. In some embodiments, the slot may be filled with alubricant, which may reduce an appearance of the blood droplet to thepatient and lower the drag force.

In some embodiments, the septum may include a semi-annular groovedisposed within the body. In some embodiments, the semi-annular groovemay facilitate securement of the septum within the catheter adapter. Insome embodiments, the semi-annular groove may extend around a portion ofa circumference of the body. In some embodiments, the slot may extendbetween a first end of the semi-annular groove and a second end of thesemi-annular groove.

In some embodiments, the septum may include a channel, which may bedisposed within the septum and oriented along a longitudinal axis of thebody. In these and other embodiments, the septum may be monolithicallyformed as a single unit. In some embodiments, the channel may be formedby an inner surface of the body. In some embodiments, the introducerneedle may extend through the channel. In some embodiments, theintroducer needle may be spaced apart from the inner surface of thebody. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel may begenerally cylindrical. In some embodiments, a length of the channel maycorrespond to a majority of a length of the body.

In some embodiments, the septum may include a slit extending from anouter surface of the body to the channel. In some embodiments, the slitmay be oriented along the longitudinal axis of the body. In someembodiments, the slit may be closed when the septum is disposed withinthe lumen of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the slit mayextend through an entire length of the body. In some embodiments, theslit may extend partially through a length of the body.

In some embodiments, the septum may include the semi-annular groove oran annular groove, which may facilitate securement of the septum withinthe catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the slit may extend throughthe semi-annular groove or the annular groove. In some embodiments, theseptum may be formed via injection molding. In some embodiments, theseptum may be elastomeric. In some embodiments, the septum may be moldedin a bulged position with the slit open to allow insertion of a mold andformation of the channel.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and arenot restrictive of the invention, as claimed. It should be understoodthat the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements andinstrumentality shown in the drawings. It should also be understood thatthe embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may beutilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be madewithout departing from the scope of the various embodiments of thepresent invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, notto be taken in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of an example catheter assembly ofthe prior art;

FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view of a septum of the prior art thatmay be used with the catheter assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is an upper perspective view of an example septum having a slot,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the septum of FIG. 2A along theline 2B-2B, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2C is an upper perspective view of an example catheter assembly,illustrating the septum of FIG. 2A oriented in a first position,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2D is an upper perspective view of the catheter assembly,illustrating the septum of FIG. 2A oriented in a second position,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2D,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3A is an upper perspective view of another example septum having aslot, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the septum of FIG. 3A along theline 3B-3B, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3C is an upper perspective view of the septum of FIG. 3A disposedin an example septum housing, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3D is an exploded view of the septum and septum housing of FIG. 3C,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3E is a partial cutaway view of the septum and septum housing ofFIG. 3C, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view of the septum and septum housing ofFIG. 3C in an example catheter assembly, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4A is an upper perspective view of an example septum having achannel, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the septum of FIG. 4A along theline 4B-4B, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4C is an upper perspective view of an example catheter assemblythat includes the septum of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 4Calong the line 4D-4D, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of another catheter assembly,illustrating an example introducer needle partially withdrawn, accordingto some embodiments;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of the catheter assembly ofFIG. 5A, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5C is an upper perspective view of another example septum,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the septum of FIG. 5C, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 5E is an upper perspective view of an example septum holder,according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 5F is a cross-sectional view of the septum holder of FIG. 5E,according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1A-1C, a catheter assembly 10 of the prior art isillustrated. The catheter assembly 10 may include a septum 12 disposedwithin a lumen of a catheter adapter 14 of the catheter assembly 10. Acatheter 16 may extend distally from the catheter adapter 14. The septum12 may correspond to the septum of the BD INTIMA II™ IV Catheter, forexample. After a user confirms the catheter 16 of the catheter assembly10 is positioned within a vein of a patient, an introducer needle 18 ofthe catheter assembly 10 may be withdrawn from the patient and thecatheter assembly 10, leaving only the catheter 16 in place within thevein. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, an entire portion of the introducerneedle 18 disposed within the septum 12 may contact the septum 12,creating a high drag force as the introducer needle 18 is withdrawnproximally from the patient and the catheter assembly 10. The highfriction between the introducer needle 18 and the septum 12 may resultin discomfort for the patient as the introducer needle 18 is withdrawnand/or dislodgement of the catheter 16 of the catheter assembly 10 fromthe vein of the patient.

Referring now to FIG. 2A-2C, in some embodiments, a septum 20 may reducea drag force of an introducer needle 22 that is moved with respect tothe septum 20 during withdrawal of the introducer needle 22 from thepatient and a catheter assembly 24 in a proximal direction. In someembodiments, reducing the drag force may improve comfort of a patientand facilitate first stick success or placement of a catheter 26 withinthe vein on a first try. In some embodiments, the drag force may bereduced by decreasing a surface area of the septum 20 that contacts theintroducer needle 22. In some embodiments, a proximal end of theintroducer needle 22 may be secured in a needle hub 27.

In some embodiments, the septum 20 of the catheter assembly 24 mayinclude a body 28 having a distal end 30 and a proximal end 32. In someembodiments, the distal end 30 of the body 28 and the proximal end 32 ofthe body 28 may be sealed. In some embodiments, the septum 20 mayprovide a seal about the introducer needle 18 during storage and use ofthe introducer needle 22, and then may seal the catheter assembly 24when the introducer needle 22 is withdrawn to prevent escape of fluid.In some embodiments, the septum 20 may be pre-slit along thelongitudinal axis 36 prior to insertion of the introducer needle 22through the septum 20. In some embodiments, the septum 20 may not bepre-slit along the longitudinal axis 36.

In some embodiments, the distal end 30 of the body 28 may be disposedfurthest away from the user of the catheter assembly 24 and nearest thepatient to act as a primary seal and prevent escape of blood from thecatheter assembly 24. In some embodiments, the proximal end 32 of thebody 28 may act as a secondary seal to prevent escape of blood from thecatheter assembly 24. In some embodiments, the distal end 30 and/or theproximal end 32 may wipe the introducer needle 22 as it is withdrawn. Insome embodiments, the septum 20 may be constructed of an elastomeric orresilient material. In some embodiments, the septum 20 may beconstructed of silicone and/or rubber. In some embodiments, the septum20 may result in less material usage and cost savings. In someembodiments, the septum 20 may be monolithically formed as a singleunit. In some embodiments, the septum 20 may include a one-piece ormulti-piece septum.

In some embodiments, the septum 20 may include a slot 34 disposed withinan outer surface of the body 28 and oriented along a longitudinal axis36 of the body. In some embodiments, the slot 34 may include a distalend 38 spaced apart from the distal end 30 of the body 28, and aproximal end 40 spaced apart from the proximal end 32 of the body 28. Insome embodiments, the introducer needle 22 may extend through the slot34. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 22 may be spaced apartfrom a bottom 42 of the slot 34. In some embodiments, the slot 34 mayreduce friction on the introducer needle 22. In some embodiments, theseptum may only contact the introducer needle at the distal end 30 andthe proximal end 32 of the body 28. In some embodiments, the slot 34 mayhave various shapes. In some embodiments, the slot 34 may be generallyrectangular. In some embodiments, sides of the slot 34 disposed betweenthe distal end 38 and the proximal end 40 may be straight, asillustrated, for example, in FIG. 2A, or another shape.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 24 may include a catheteradapter 44 and the catheter 26. In some embodiments, the catheterassembly 24 may include PIVC catheter assembly, and the catheter 26 mayinclude a PIVC. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 24 mayinclude an integrated catheter system, having an integrated extensiontube 46 extending from a side port of the catheter adapter 44. In theseand other embodiments, the septum 20, which may be disposed in thecatheter adapter 44, may be configured for single use. In furtherdetail, in some embodiments, the introducer needle 22 may penetrate theseptum 20 when the catheter assembly 24 is in an insertion position forinsertion into the patient, but after the catheter 26 is placed withinthe vein and the introducer needle 22 is withdrawn proximally throughthe septum, the septum 20 may remain closed.

In some embodiments, a length 48 of the slot 34 may correspond to amajority of a length 50 of the body 28. In some embodiments, a depth 52of the slot 34 may be greater than half a width 54 of the body 28, whichmay prevent a portion of the introducer needle 22 extending through theslot 34 from contacting the slot 34. In some embodiments, the septum 20may be disposed in various orientations within the catheter adapter 44.FIG. 2C illustrates the septum 20 with the slot 34 facing a side of thecatheter adapter 44, when the catheter assembly 24 is in the insertionposition. In other embodiments, the slot 34 may face towards a top orbottom of the catheter adapter 44, when the catheter assembly 24 is inthe insertion position. In some embodiments, an inner surface of thecatheter adapter 44 may seal the slot 34.

In some embodiments, the septum 20 may include a groove 56, which may besemi-annular, disposed within the outer surface of the body 28. In someembodiments, the groove 56 may facilitate securement of the septum 20within the catheter adapter 44. For example, the catheter adapter 44 mayinclude a protrusion or similar element that fits within the groove 56.In some embodiments, the groove 56 may extend around a portion of acircumference of the body 28. In some embodiments, the slot 34 mayextend between a first end 58 of the groove 56 and a second end 60 ofthe groove 56. In some embodiments, the septum 20 may be at leastpartially disposed in a septum housing.

Referring now to FIG. 2D-2E, in some embodiments, in the insertionposition, a bevel of the introducer needle 22 may face upward and theslot 34 may face downward or towards the bottom of the catheter adapter44. In some embodiments, the slot 34 may face downward such that adroplet of blood disposed in the slot 34 and from the introducer needle22 may be hidden from the patient, as illustrated, for example, in FIG.2D-2E. In some embodiments, the slot 34 may be filled with a lubricant,which may reduce an appearance of the blood droplet to the patient andlower the drag force.

Referring now to FIG. 3A-3B, in some embodiments, a catheter assembly 62may include a septum 64. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 62may include or correspond to the catheter assembly 24 of FIG. 2 . Insome embodiments, the catheter assembly 62 may include one or morefeatures or elements of the catheter assembly 24. In some embodiments,the catheter assembly 24 may include one or more features or elements ofthe catheter assembly 62. In some embodiments, the septum 64 may includeor correspond to the septum 20 of FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, theseptum 64 may include one or more features of the septum 20. In someembodiments, the septum 20 may include one or more features of theseptum 64.

Referring now to FIGS. 3C-3F, in some embodiments, the septum 62 may beat least partially disposed within a septum housing 66. In someembodiments, an inner surface of the septum housing 66 may seal the slot34 of the septum 62. In some embodiments, the septum housing 66 mayprovide compression to the septum 62. In some embodiments, the septumhousing 66 may be a separate component or may instead be a region of thecatheter adapter 44. In some embodiments, the septum housing 66 mayinclude a canister that provides radial compression. In someembodiments, the radial compression from the canister helps to assurecompliance of the septum 62 to the shape of the introducer needle 22inserted there through and a tight seal upon withdrawal of theintroducer needle 22. In some embodiments, the septum 62 may be held inplace by compression alone, by a mechanical attachment or interlock,and/or by an adhesive as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. FIG.3E illustrates the needle 22 partially withdrawn, according to someembodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, in some embodiments, a septum 70 of acatheter assembly 72 may include a channel 74, which may be disposedwithin the septum 70 and oriented along the longitudinal axis 36 of thebody 28. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 72 may include orcorrespond to the catheter assembly 24 of FIG. 2 and/or the catheterassembly 62 of FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 72may include one or more features or elements of the catheter assembly 24and/or the catheter assembly 62. In some embodiments, the catheterassembly 24 and/or the catheter assembly 62 may include one or morefeatures or elements of the catheter assembly 72. In some embodiments,the septum 70 may include or correspond to the septum 20 of FIG. 2and/or the septum 64 of FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the septum 20and/or the septum 64 may include one or more features of the septum 70.In some embodiments, the septum 70 may include one or more features ofthe septum 20 and/or the septum 64.

In some embodiments, the septum 70 may be monolithically formed as asingle unit. In some embodiments, the channel 74 may be formed by aninner surface of the body 28. In some embodiments, the introducer needle22 may extend through the channel. In some embodiments, the introducerneedle 22 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the body 28. Insome embodiments, at least a portion of the channel 74 may be generallycylindrical. In some embodiments, a distal end and/or a proximal end ofthe channel 72 may be tapered. In some embodiments, a length of thechannel 74 may correspond to a majority of a length of the body 28.

In some embodiments, the septum 70 may include a slit 76 extending froman outer surface of the body 28 to the channel 74. In some embodiments,the slit 76 may be aligned with the longitudinal axis 36 of the body 28.In some embodiments, the slit 76 may be closed in response to the septum70 being disposed within the lumen of the catheter adapter 44, which maycompress the septum 70. In some embodiments, the slit 76 may extendthrough an entire length of the body 28. In some embodiments, the slit76 may extend partially through a length of the body 28. In someembodiments, the slit 76 may be disposed in a middle of the body 28. Insome embodiments, the septum 70 may or may not include the groove 56.

In some embodiments, the septum 70 may include the groove 56, which maybe annular or semi-annular, which may facilitate securement of theseptum 70 within the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the slit 76may extend through the groove 56. In some embodiments, the septum 70 maybe formed via injection molding. In some embodiments, the septum 70 maybe molded in a bulged position with the slit open to allow insertion ofan undercut feature of a mold into the slit 76 and formation of thechannel 74. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material of the septum70 may allow the undercut feature to be removed from the channel 74through the slit 76 following the injection molding.

Referring now to FIG. 5A-5F, another catheter assembly 78 isillustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, thecatheter assembly 78 may include a septum holder 80, which may include ahead 82 and a body 84. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of thehead 82 may be less than an outer diameter of the body 84 such that anannular flange 86 is disposed between the head 82 and the body 84. Insome embodiments, the head 82 may be disposed distal to the body 84 whenthe septum holder 80 is disposed within a lumen 88 of a catheter adapter44. In some embodiments, the head 82 may be generally cylindrical. Insome embodiments, the body 84 may be generally conical, having a taperedouter surface. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the body 84 maybe tapered outwardly in a proximal direction.

In some embodiments, the head 82 may be sized and configured to fitsnugly within a cavity 90 or pocket of a septum 92. In some embodiments,the cavity 90 may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, an outer diameterof the septum 92 may be slightly less than a diameter of the cavity 90.In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the septum 92 may be equal toor slightly greater than the diameter of the cavity 90, and the septumholder 80 may be in an interference fit with the septum 92. In someembodiments, a proximal end 94 of the septum 92 may contact the annularflange 86 of the septum holder 80. In some embodiments, the septumholder 80 and/or the catheter adapter 44 may be constructed of a plasticmaterial or another suitable material.

In some embodiments, the septum holder 80 may facilitate securement ofthe septum 92 within the lumen 88 of the catheter adapter 44. In furtherdetail, in some embodiments, an inner wall of the catheter adapter 44forming the lumen 88 may include one or more protrusions 96 that maycontact the outer surface of the body 84 to pinch the body 84 and holdthe body 84 in place, thereby also securing the septum 92. In someembodiments, the protrusions 96 may be annular. In some embodiments, oneor more sides of the protrusions 96 may include an undercut. In someembodiments, the protrusions 96 may include two opposing protrusions. Insome embodiments, the protrusions 96 may be equally spaced ornon-equally spaced around a circumference of the inner wall forming thelumen 88. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of the body 84 alignedwith the protrusions 96 may be greater than a distance between theprotrusions 96 to facilitate the pinching action.

In some embodiments, the septum 92 and the septum holder 80 may reducedrag on the introducer needle 22 as the introducer needle 22 iswithdrawn in the proximal direction. In further detail, the septumholder 80 may allow a reduced area of the septum 92 that the introducerneedle 22 passes through and contacts. In some embodiments, the septumholder 80 may include a passageway 98 extending through the septumholder 80. In some embodiments, when the catheter assembly 78 is in theinsertion position and/or the introducer needle 22 is being withdrawn,the introducer needle 22 may extend through the passageway 98 and/or bespaced apart from a wall of the passageway 98 along all or a portion ofa length of the passageway 98. In some embodiments, a portion of theintroducer needle 22 disposed within the passageway 98 may be surroundedby an annular space. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of theintroducer needle 22 may be less than a diameter of the passageway 98.In some embodiments, there may not be any contact between the wallforming the passageway 98 and the introducer needle 22.

In some embodiments, the septum 92 may include a flange 100, which maycontact one or more corresponding flanges 102 of the catheter adapter44, which may facilitate securement of the septum 92. In someembodiments, the corresponding flanges 102 of the catheter adapter 44may prevent distal movement of the septum 92, and the septum holder 80may prevent proximal movement of the septum 92. In some embodiments, oneor more of the following may facilitate securement of the septum 92within the lumen 88, which may strengthen a liquid seal of the septum92: contact or interference between the flange 100 and the correspondingflange 102, contact or interference between the head 82 of the septumholder 80 and the septum 92, and contact or interference between thebody 84 of the septum holder 80 and the protrusions 96.

In some embodiments, the distal end 30 of the septum 92 may be flush ornear flush with a y-channel of the catheter adapter 44, which mayfacilitate flushability and reduction of dead space for blood. In someembodiments, the distal end 30 of the septum 92 may include a slit 104.In some embodiments, the septum 92 may be pre-slit or the slit 104 maybe formed by the introducer needle 22 during assembly. In someembodiments, all or a portion of the slit 104 may be coated with ahydrophobic coating, such as, for example, parylene or another suitablehydrophobic coating. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic coating maydecrease a coefficient of friction as the introducer needle 22 iswithdrawn proximally from the catheter assembly 78. In some embodiments,a combination of the hydrophobic coating disposed within the slit 104and a reduced contact area of the introducer needle 22 with the septum92, may reduce the drag force on the introducer needle 22 as theintroducer needle 22 is withdrawn proximally from the catheter assembly98.

In some embodiments, all or a portion of the wall of the passageway 98may be coated with a high-viscosity lube 106, which may benon-migrating. In some embodiments, the high-viscosity lube 106 may beapplied to a proximal end of the passageway 98. In some embodiments, thehigh-viscosity lube 106 may at least partially block and cover a notch108 of the introducer needle 22 as the introducer needle 22 is beingwithdrawn, which may prevent leakage of blood. In some embodiments, thehigh-viscosity lube 106 may reduce drag as the introducer needle 22 iswithdrawn proximally from the catheter assembly 78.

It is understood that in some embodiments, the catheter assembly 78 mayinclude or correspond to one or more of the following: the catheterassembly 24 of FIG. 2 , the catheter assembly 62 of FIG. 3 , or thecatheter assembly 72 of FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the catheterassembly 78 may include one or more features or elements of one or moreof the following: the catheter assembly 24, the catheter assembly 62,and the catheter assembly 72. For example, in some embodiments, theseptum 92 may include or correspond to one or more of the following: theseptum 20 of FIG. 2 , the septum 64 of FIG. 3 , and the septum 70 ofFIG. 4 . In some embodiments, one or more of the following may includeone or more features or elements of the catheter assembly 78: thecatheter assembly 24, the catheter assembly 62, and the catheterassembly 72.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention andthe concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and areto be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present inventionshave been described in detail, it should be understood that the variouschanges, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A peripheral intravenous catheter assembly,comprising: a catheter adapter; and a septum monolithically formed as asingle unit, comprising: a body having a distal end and a proximal end,wherein the distal and proximal ends of the body are sealed; a slotdisposed within an outer surface of the body and oriented along alongitudinal axis of the body, wherein the slot comprises a distal endspaced apart from the distal end of the body, a proximal end spacedapart from the proximal end of the body, and a bottom interposed betweenthe distal and proximal ends such that the slot may be filled with alubricant; an introducer needle extending through the slot and spacedapart from the bottom of the slot; and a septum housing, wherein theseptum is disposed within the septum housing, the septum housingencircling the septum and sealing the slot, wherein the septum housingis disposed within the catheter adapter.
 15. The peripheral intravenouscatheter assembly of claim 14, wherein the septum is elastomeric. 16.The peripheral intravenous catheter assembly of claim 14, wherein alength of the slot corresponds to a majority of a length of the body.17. The peripheral intravenous catheter assembly of claim 14, wherein adepth of the slot is greater than half a width of the body.
 18. Theperipheral intravenous catheter assembly of claim 14, wherein a bevel ofthe introducer needle faces upward, wherein the slot faces downward. 19.The peripheral intravenous catheter assembly of claim 14, furthercomprising a semi-annular groove disposed within the body, wherein thesemi-annular groove extends around a portion of a circumference of thebody, wherein the slot extends between a first end of the semi-annulargroove and a second end of the semi-annular groove.
 20. The peripheralintravenous catheter assembly of claim 14, wherein the catheter adaptercomprises a side port having an integrated extension tube.
 21. Aperipheral intravenous catheter assembly, comprising: a catheteradapter; a septum disposed within a lumen of the catheter adapter,comprising: a body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein thedistal and proximal ends of the body are sealed; and a slot disposedwithin an outer surface of the body and oriented along a longitudinalaxis of the body, wherein the slot comprises a distal end spaced apartfrom the distal end of the body, a proximal end spaced apart from theproximal end of the body, and a bottom interposed between the distal andproximal ends such that the slot may be filled with a lubricant; and anintroducer needle extending through the slot and spaced apart from thebottom of the slot.
 22. The peripheral intravenous catheter assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the septum is elastomeric.
 23. The peripheralintravenous catheter assembly of claim 21, wherein a depth of the slotis greater than half a width of the body.
 24. The peripheral intravenouscatheter assembly of claim 21, wherein a length of the slot correspondsto a majority of a length of the body.
 25. The peripheral intravenouscatheter assembly of claim 21, further comprising a semi-annular groovedisposed within the body, wherein the semi-annular groove extends arounda portion of a circumference of the body, wherein the slot extendsthrough a first end of the semi-annular groove and a second end of thesemi-annular groove.
 26. The peripheral intravenous catheter assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the catheter adapter comprises a side port having anintegrated extension tube.